Wikipedia:Unblocks are cheap
 | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
 | This page in a nutshell: If there is uncertainty as to whether unblocking an editor is appropriate, unblocking them will resolve the issue. |
Quantum physics tells us things are not defined until observed.[1] When there is genuine disagreement as to whether an editor should be unblocked, the most expeditious thing to do is unblock them and observe what happens. Demands for apologies and groveling are counterproductive; after all, editors have pride and demeaning editors or demanding contrition/penance/apologies doesn't benefit the encyclopedia.
- Ideally, the editor will not repeat the behavior which led to the block, hence the issue is resolved.
- If future behavior shows that the editor still doesn't grok the situation, they can be given additional feedback for minor issues or blocked again for major problems.
Notes edit
- ^ Well, sort of.